The Importance Of The CLEP Exam And How To Register

When choosing to return to school after a long timeNot all colleges accept CLEP exams for credit, so
away from being in a classroom setting, you want todouble-check with your university before registering.
only spend as much time in the classroom as isAlso, the credit given by those colleges that accept
necessary to further your degree or earn a new one.them for credit and the minimum qualifying score to
That is why the CLEP Exam is so important forattain that credit vary, so double-check before
non-traditional students: These exams give you theregistering to know what you have to score on them
chance to demonstrate your knowledge and earnand how many credits you will earn and still have to
college credit without entering a classroom. In essence,earn before earning your degree.
they can already give you some of the credit hoursThere is a three-step process to registering for an
you need to earn that degree, eliminating some of theexam:
courses you would need to take to earn that degree,1. Select and contact a CLEP Test Centre near you -
thereby cutting down on the time you need to be inthese are usually at college campuses throughout the
the classroom to earn that degree.United States and around the world. Contact the
This is extremely beneficial for non-traditional students,centre and find out about its registration procedure,
who usually hold full-time occupations and may evenservice fee, testing schedule, and parking
have families, including children, they are responsible for.transportation information.
Time is especially of the essence for them, as they2. Complete a Registration-Admission Form and mail it
need to earn those advanced degrees as quickly aswith your payment to the test centre. The payment
possible so they can provide a better life for theirincludes the $60 test fee, as well as a non-refundable
families that much quicker.administration fee, which can vary depending upon the
It's also nice to know that some of your workuniversity - check with them on the specific cost.
experience can count as college credit toward that3a. Request special accommodations if you have a
advanced degree. 2,900 colleges grant credit and/orlearning or physical disability that would prevent you
advanced standing for CLEP exams.from taking an exam under standard conditions.
These exams can reward you for knowledge you3b. Request special administration if you require a
have learned from independent study, non-credit adultpaper-and- pencil exam, as these exams are now
courses, professional development, or life experience.administered on computers. Note that the cost of a
And these exams can save you money because thepaper-and-pencil CLEP exam is $120 and that you will
test costs $60, which is much cheaper than spendingnot receive your results for two to three weeks after
a few hundred to a few thousand for online coursesthe testing date (you normally receive them
you don't have to take.immediately after completing the computer exam.